The Future of Conservation Science in Wisconsin

press release:

Panel Discussion on the Future of Conservation Science in Wisconsin with Spencer Black, George Meyer, and Kimberlee Wright

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day), 7:00-9:00 pm

WHERE: UW-Madison Memorial Union Tripp Commons

WHO: Sponsored by the UW-Madison Teaching Assistants' Association and Wisconsin Science Professionals (AFT Locals 3220 and 3732)

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Governor Walker's budget proposes to cut $300 million from the UW system and eliminate funding for several alternative energy and environmental programs at UW-Madison, as well as eliminating 66 DNR staff scientists and educators. Many UW students in environmental science and education fields rely on the DNR as a potential employer after graduation, and indeed choose these majors anticipating the public service they can provide. The Wisconsin public benefits greatly from the science done by both the DNR and the UW System, in the form of clean water and air and healthy wildlife populations.

Panelists at this Earth Day forum will discuss the ramifications of the proposed budget's attacks on science and education for Wisconsin's conservation heritage. Three knowledgeable speakers will link the attacks on labor with the attacks on higher education and the environment and discuss how the public can respond. Spencer Black is a former State Representative and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at UW-Madison. George Meyer is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and former Secretary of the Wisconsin DNR. Kimberlee Wright is the Executive Director of Midwest Environmental Advocates, an environmental law firm.

The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the UW-Madison Teaching Assistants' Association and Wisconsin Science Professionals (AFT Locals 3220 and 3732), and endorsed by Family Farm Defenders, Sierra Club, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Sierra Student Coalition, Grassroots Pipeline Awareness, Madison Action for Mining Alternatives, Midwest Environmental Advocates, and Veterans for Peace Madison.